Hi All,

Not sure if this has been discussed already or not. Basically, I'm interested in upgrading my PT-AE900 to the PT-AE2000 and unfortunately, in my country I don't have the luxury of getting a demo before buying. Therefore, I'm curious as to anyone's opinions regarding how significant the differences are. Beyond the obvious advantages of the higher resolution, what I'm most interested in is the improvement in native contrast, black levels, colors, and brightness. If put side by side, are the differences dramatic? This is important because the resolution alone is probably not enough to get me to upgrade -- significantly upgraded image depth might do it.

Cheers,
ldoogy.

I know it's been a while since you asked this question, but I just upgraded from an AE900 to an AE2000. The difference is amazing especially with HD source material.

The AE2000 is a worthy upgrade for any AE900 owner that wants to upgrade. Aside from the obvious 1080i vs 1080p factor, the AE2000 image is a good deal brighter, the images are more vivid and I find that the picture is much sharper too (I always disliked how soft the AE900 image was). The unit is quiet and does the job very nicely.

Beware though, the AE2000 is a LOT bigger than the AE900. I'd say around 50% larger, so make sure your shelf (if you're shelf-mounting) is big enough for it!

I know it's been a while since you asked this question, but I just upgraded from an AE900 to an AE2000. The difference is amazing especially with HD source material.

The AE2000 is a worthy upgrade for any AE900 owner that wants to upgrade. Aside from the obvious 1080i vs 1080p factor, the AE2000 image is a good deal brighter, the images are more vivid and I find that the picture is much sharper too (I always disliked how soft the AE900 image was). The unit is quiet and does the job very nicely.

Beware though, the AE2000 is a LOT bigger than the AE900. I'd say around 50% larger, so make sure your shelf (if you're shelf-mounting) is big enough for it!

I also have the AE900 and am upgrading. I appreciate your feedback. Since the AE900 is also an HD projector (though only 720p), I have often wondered what the real-world difference is.

A few other things to keep in mind. The ceiling bracket for the AE900 will not work with the AE2000. It is also black, and because of its larger size, may look very different in your room than your current one.

Another difference is that the AE2000 has inorganic panels, so you may not have to upgrade your projector as frequently due to panel fade.

And lastly, the AE2000 will do the anamorphic sequeeze if you are considering doing a constant-height set up.

Unfortunately the AE2000 is relatively expensive when compared to the other 1080p LCD projectors, such as the HC4900 or Z2000. Part of that is because there is not a rebate.

Hi All,

Not sure if this has been discussed already or not. Basically, I'm interested in upgrading my PT-AE900 to the PT-AE2000 and unfortunately, in my country I don't have the luxury of getting a demo before buying. Therefore, I'm curious as to anyone's opinions regarding how significant the differences are. Beyond the obvious advantages of the higher resolution, what I'm most interested in is the improvement in native contrast, black levels, colors, and brightness. If put side by side, are the differences dramatic? This is important because the resolution alone is probably not enough to get me to upgrade -- significantly upgraded image depth might do it.

Cheers,
ldoogy.
I have had the 500U the 700U the 900U, the AX200U and now have 2 2000U's The PT-AE2000U blows away the 900U. After I got my 2000U I fell out of love with my 900U and my AX200U...:)

I have had the 500U the 700U the 900U, the AX200U and now have 2 2000U's The PT-AE2000U blows away the 900U. After I got my 2000U I fell out of love with my 900U and my AX200U...:)

Same here. I have had the 300U, the 500U, the 900U and now the AE2000. I have a white 110" screen in a totally light-controlled room.
This projector is better in every feature: Sharpness (better focus), Contrast, Color, Blacks, Lumens, Fan Noise and of course in definition. Although this one, for me, is not the best improvement. And I'm not saying that it's not an improvement. It is only that I don't see too much differences between 720 an 1080P. Maybe some jaggies are gone but that's all.

Same here. I have had the 300U, the 500U, the 900U and now the AE2000. I have a white 110" screen in a totally light-controlled room.
This projector is better in every feature: Sharpness (better focus), Contrast, Color, Blacks, Lumens, Fan Noise and of course in definition. Although this one, for me, is not the best improvement. And I'm not saying that it's not an improvement. It is only that I don't see too much differences between 720 an 1080P. Maybe some jaggies are gone but that's all.

I see one hell of an improvement!...I was watching "Underdog" with my kids the other day on my PT-AE2000U and was just BLOWN AWAY!...Even my wife (who doesn't notice crap) commented on how much better the picture was compared to the old 900U and AX200U...:)...As soon as I saw the picture my 900U went up for sale in the AVSforum marketplace...:D

I see one hell of an improvement!...I was watching "Underdog" with my kids the other day on my PT-AE2000U and was just BLOWN AWAY!...Even my wife (who doesn't notice crap) commented on how much better the picture was compared to the old 900U and AX200U...:)...As soon as I saw the picture my 900U went up for sale in the AVSforum marketplace...:D

I notice that all projectors has a crisp snappy image when brand new (at least the 4 that I have had). IMO if I compare 2 identical models, one brand new and the other with 700 hours on it, the new one would look significantly better. We just don't notice it because the fading is gradual.

If I understand what you are saying, even adjusting for this, the AE2000 is still much better than the AE900?

I see one hell of an improvement!...I was watching "Underdog" with my kids the other day on my PT-AE2000U and was just BLOWN AWAY!...Even my wife (who doesn't notice crap) commented on how much better the picture was compared to the old 900U and AX200U...:)...As soon as I saw the picture my 900U went up for sale in the AVSforum marketplace...:D

TheHDMan
I don't want to be misunderstood. I'm seeing one hell of improvement too, going from the AE900 to the AE2000 :). It's only that projecting (only with my AE2000) a movie recorded on 1080P or 720P is not so different to me. If you don't believe me, download the same HD clip (Coral Reef Adventure) and see it yourself.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/musicandvideo/hdvideo/contentshowcase.aspx

Yeah the improvement is not going to be dramatic when viewing 1080i or 720P material, but I watch mostly Blu-Ray and HD-DVD so to me it's a big step up...:)

But the colors and contrast and black levels are still noticably better when viewing 1080i/720p material...:)

I notice that all projectors has a crisp snappy image when brand new (at least the 4 that I have had). IMO if I compare 2 identical models, one brand new and the other with 700 hours on it, the new one would look significantly better. We just don't notice it because the fading is gradual.

If I understand what you are saying, even adjusting for this, the AE2000 is still much better than the AE900?

I just went from a Panasonic 900 to a Sony VW40, and the jump in PQ was pretty substantial. I mainly watch HD and Blu-ray, so the improved resolution and detail was very obvious, the black levels are MUCH better, and the sharpness of the picture was definitely improved. Add 'em all up and you get a pretty big difference.

I went from an AE1000 to an AE2000 and noticed a good imporvement in sharpness, brightness and black levels. Having seen a demo of an AE900 some time ago, I'd say that regardless of resolution the AE2000 would give a much better picture, even on SD DVD.